Lakbay Dunong Outreach Brought Food, School Supplies, and Hope to the Subanen Community in Zamboanga del Norte

Brgy. Pange, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte — The Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop Inc. (FSMMI), together with its partner organizations and sponsors, successfully conducted its Lakbay Dunong Outreach Program on November 29, 2025, bringing essential food support, school supplies, and learning opportunities to the Subanen Tribe in Brgy. Pange, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte. Volunteers arrived on November 28 and completed the mission before departing on November 30.

Lakbay Dunong, which translates to “journey of knowledge” or “travel of wisdom,” combines the Filipino words lakbay (journey/travel) and dunong (knowledge/wisdom). True to its name, the program embodied both movement and learning by extending help, compassion, and empowerment to communities often left behind.

This year’s outreach centered on food waste recovery, food giving, and food security, and included the distribution of school supplies to help address challenges linked to food insecurity and malnutrition. The initiative reaffirmed FSMMI’s mission to reach “the last, the least, and the lost.”

During the program, Subanen families participated in community activities, food distribution, and the receiving of school kits for children. Volunteers engaged warmly with parents, elders, and youth, strengthening relationships while demonstrating solidarity and respect for Indigenous culture.

“This Lakbay Dunong mission reflects our shared belief that compassion and education can transform lives,” said Fr. Dean Klayford Bongat, FSMMI Founder. “Serving the Subanen community reminds us why we continue these journeys—because every child and every family deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued.”

FSMMI President Rey L. Anugon emphasized the power of collaboration in making the event meaningful. “This initiative shows what we can achieve when organizations, institutions, and communities stand together,” he said. “The partnerships provided meaningful support to the Subanen families, and the joy we witnessed today affirms the importance of continuing programs like Lakbay Dunong.”

Local leaders also expressed heartfelt gratitude. “We’re deeply grateful for the presence of FSMMI and its partners,” said Timuay Dalmacio Lubac, Barangay Tribal Leader and Barangay Councilor of Pange. “Your visit honored our culture and brought encouragement to our families. The food and school supplies you shared made a real difference to our community.”

The success of the outreach was made possible through the collaboration of various partners, including the Department of Education (DepEd) Siayan District, the Siayan Municipal Police Station, the 97th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the Social Work Department of Saint Joseph College of Sindangan Inc., the Saint Isidore the Farmer Parish of Siayan, and the Siayan Subanen Tribal Council of Elders, led by Timuay Labi and Municipal IPMR Johnny C. Anugon Sr.

FSMMI also acknowledged the generous support of its brand and institutional sponsors, including Mega Prime Foods, Tanging Yaman Foundation, National Book Store, Pascual, Vitex Negundo L. Lagundi Leaf (ASCOF), BingoPlus Foundation, Poten-Cee Plus, Coca-Cola, Quickchow, ABS-CBN Foundation, Mega Sardines, Mega Prime Quality, Jimm’s Coffee, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Bioderm, Jollibee, Colgate, Century Pacific Food Inc., Kokola, Food Access Philippines, Bayan ni Juan Movement, Ceres Liner/Transport Inc., the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Servants of Mary and Joseph Works of Charity, and the Dalisay Community Pantry, along with other partner groups committed to the organization’s mission of service.

The three-day Lakbay Dunong journey concluded with volunteers carrying with them the gratitude of the Subanen families and a reinforced commitment to serving underserved and Indigenous communities across the country.